When you subscribe we will use the information you provide to send you these newsletters. Sometimes they’ll include recommendations for other related newsletters or services we offer. OurPrivacy Noticeexplains more about how we use your data, and your rights. You can unsubscribe at any time.

Read More

Related Articles

Initiatives will include training, creating work experience placements and apprenticeships and a one-stop careers shop.

Leaders from business and local councils joined cities minister Greg Clark at Reading Town Hall to sign the agreement on Monday.

Councillor Jo Lovelock, leader of Reading Borough Council, said: “Reading is known within the wider region as a place where people come to find work, but we also know that there are a great many young people out there who have found it difficult to get the right training to access job opportunities.

“If we can tailor young people’s skills so they are ready and able to take the opportunities that are becoming available, it will go a long way towards further cementing Reading’s and the wider region’s place as a key driver in the economic performance of the UK.”

The deal has been negotiated by Thames Valley Berkshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) and the six Berkshire local councils, led by Reading.

The City Deal aims to support 4,500 young people over three years by providing a single business growth hub tailored to what young people in the area need to find a job.

Delighted: Cabinet Office minister Greg Clark

Mr Clark said he was delighted to be signing the deal in Reading.

He said: “This proposal was the idea of businesses and local leaders in the area and they pitched it to the Government.

“I’m pleased that we have been able to say yes and agree the deal.”

The agreement will see £2.4 million invested from the Government with match funding coming from the Thames Valley Berkshire LEP. It will create 1,500 work experience placements, 300 additional apprenticeships and 800 new wage incentives for eligible businesses.

The partnership will also be able to work with the Cabinet Office to trial new ideas to reduce youth unemployment and launch a website platform called ElevateMe, to allow young people to access careers advice and support.

Steve Lamb, chairman of Thames Valley Berkshire LEP, said: “The Thames Valley Berkshire City Deal is a positive and exciting opportunity, not just for the local area, but also the sub region as it enhances ability to compete on a global level.”

Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg said: “This is an important deal for the people of Reading and the rest of Berkshire, which will help thousands of young people develop the skills and confidence to grasp the opportunities to build successful careers.”